Tricycle-mounted hobbyhorse



June 18, 1957 H, p FlELDs ErAL 2,796,265

\ TRICYCLE-MOUNTED HOBBYHORSE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April l5, 1954 June 18, 1957 H. P. FIELDS ETAL 2,795,265

TRICYCLE-MOUNTED HoBBYHoRsE Filed April 15, 1954 4 sheets-sheet 2 44? IN V EN TORS June 18, 1957 Filed April l5, 1954 /l//I/ /l H. P. FIELDS ETAL 2,796,265

TRICYCLE-MOUNTED HoBBYHoRsE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 9 i WL 66 H 67 lg a ffereriggld,

BY Pazzi LQLP/l June 18, 1957 H. P. FIELDS ETAL 2,796,265

TRICYCLE-MOUNTED HOBBYHORSE Filed April 15, 1954 4 sheets-sheet 4 IN VEN TORS United States Patent O TRICYCLE-MOUNTED HOBBYHORSE Herbert P. Fields, Bellwood, Ill., and Paul S. Mabie, Mehlville, Mo., assignors to Fields-Mable Corporation, Bellwood, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application April 15, 1954, Serial No. 423,412

Claims. (Cl. 28o-1.195)

This invention relates to a childs vehicle and more particularly to a tricycle frame and wheels of usual construction and an animal body form which can be demountably placed on the tricycle frame.

In the past, there have been several attempts at production of a vehicle for children in which a hobby horse `body was incorporated. It is not known that any of these attempts have been particularly successful from a commercial standpoint. Some of them may have failed because of the expense of manufacture. Any of the structures which require special parts of unusual form or shape increased the expense of such devices to an extent that they could not be successfully marketed.

The present structure utilizes a standard tricycle frame and wheels over which the hobby horse body is fitted in such a manner that it can be readily assembled or disassembled from the tricycle frame. Very little alteration of the tricycle is required. The particular features which are changed will be pointed out in the specification that follows.

With the present invention, it is also possible to provide the hobby horse body and other necessary parts as a kit which may be attached to a childs tricycle. Very little mechanical ability is needed or required to make the attachment and simple directions can be followed to secure the desired result.

Another ldifliculty found in prior structures concerned a complicated or awkward steering assembly. In the present invention, the steering of the tricycle is maintained in the same manner as would occur without the body on the frame. In other words, the child propels the vehicle in the same manner and steers it as he normally would a standard tricycle. In this way, the child riding an ordinary tricycle could as well ride one equipped with the hobby horse body as the same action is required to propel each.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a tricycle with a hobby horse body mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear elevational View of the vehicle shown in Figure 1 partially broken away to illustrate the structure thereof;

Figure 3 is a horizontal bottom plan view partially in section taken substantially along line 3 3 in Figure l;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary upright sectional view taken vertically through the crank structure and rear wheels substantially along line 4-4 in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional View taken along line 5-5 in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view through the mounting connection between the body form and tricycle `frame and taken substantially along line 6-6 in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the alternate form of the invention;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale of the steering mechanism utilized in the form shown in Figure 7;

`Figure 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 in Figure 8;

Figure l0 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 10-10 in Figure 8;

Figure 1l is a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the head to body connection in the form shown in Figure 7 taken substantially 90 to the section shown in Figure 8;

`Figure l2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an alternate structure for connecting the body to the tricycle frame; and

Figure i3 is a fragmentary sectional view of the structure illustrated in Figure 12 and taken substantially along line 13-13 in Figure l2.

The present invention is illustrated as one embodying a hobby horse body `and head mounted on a tricycle frame. Obviously other forms, either in the animal world or in other forms that may attract the attention and interest of children, may be substituted for that illustrated. The body is mounted on the frame so as to clear the wheels of the tricycle. The operation of the tricycle by the child is not to be interfered with `and will not be by the addition of the present body form. The body is so mounted that it may have a rocking motion when the vehicle is propelled. This may be utilized at the option of the purchaser since it is entirely possible to tix the body in stationary relation to the tricycle frame or merely to provide a spring to give the body the usual yielding action of a normal tricycle seat. All of these alternate structures will be discussed in some detail below.

Referring particularly to Figures l and 2, it will be noted that the tricycle has a main frame member 14 which forks at the rear into two side portions 15 extending downwardly to support `an axle for rear wheels 16. The front wheel 17 lis mounted in a fork 18 coming together above the wheel into a hub 19 which extends into a bearing 20 formed las an integral part of the frame 14. The front wheel is equipped with an axle secured to a pair of pedals 21, one on either side of the wheel, so that the child may propel the vehicle in the usual fashion. In the particular model tricycle shown, a fender 22 is mounted over the front wheel and supported thereon by struts 23. However, such a fender is not a part of the invention nor necessarily a part of the standard tricycle.

Steering of a usual tricycle is accomplished by a handle- `bar secured to a steering post which is insertable within the hub 19 of the steering fork. A clamp or other tightening means is used tosecure the steering fork and post together. This same type of connection is utilized in the present invention with only slight modification so that `as far as the child is concerned, the method of propelling and steering the vehicle remains the same as would be present with the ordinary tricycle.

The body form shown in the present invention is that of a hobby horse. The body form 25 is formed centrally with a saddle like portion 26 and extends to a forward portion 27 about the steering fork of the tricycle. The body is downwardly open so that it may simply fit over the tricycle frame. The bottom edge 21 is maintained at an elevation above the wheel so that adequate clearance is provided. An integral tail 29 is formed on the body portion to simulate the tail of a horse. The body may be made of plastic, wood, metal or other composition material. Ordinarily, it will be painted with colors simulating an actual pony or horse whereas the saddle portion 27 may be painted some bright attractive color.

A simulated head 30 is mounted on the body portion along a generally horizontal line of juncture 31. The head is molded in form including straps 32 appearing as a bridle and the head is equipped with a mane 33. In the particular Form shown, front legs 34 are secured to the body and extend upwardly and forwardly therefrom so as to clear the front Wheel. Rear legs 35 are also secured at the lower rear corners of the body and extend rearwardly over the rear wheels 16. The particular position of the legs and their form may be varied if desired.

The mounting of the body on the tricycle frame is illustrated particularly in Figures 3 and 6. In one form of the invention, the frame 14 is drilled to provide an opening for a horizontal bearing rod 36 which may be secured in place by a set screw 37. The sides 38 of the hobby horse body are each drilled to provide an opening for an elongated bearing 39 equipped with an outer enlarged head 40. The inner portion 41 of each bearing is threaded to receive a retaining nut 42. Upon removal of the nut 42, the bearing may be slipped out of the side 38 of the horse, thus removing it from its telescoping relation over the supporting rod 36. When in position as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the hobby horse body is pivotally supported on the tricycle frame.

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide a mechanism for rocking the horse as the vehicle is propelled. A simple crank mechanism can be provided for attachment to the rear axle of the tricycle. In instances where an existing tricycle is to be converted, this necessitates the replacement of the rear axle. As particularly illustrated in Figure 4, the rear axle 43 may have a central offset portion 44 for the reception of a split bearing 45 secured to a push rod 46. The central bearing may be held together by a pair of cap screws 47 so that any person may easily assemble the bearing on the offset portion 44. A pin 48 is provided for securing one wheel 16 to the axle to insure that it turns with motion of the vehicle. The other wheel 16 may simply be idled upon the axle. If desired, a more complicated mechanism may be provided wherein a ratchet is mounted on the inside of each wheel so that the vehicle may easily turn in either direction while continuing the turning of the axle 43 to provide the rocking motion for the horse.

The attachment of the crank mechanism to the hobby horse can rnost simply be accomplished by securing it to a cross shaft 49 extending through the sides 38 of the horse and into a metal bearing cap 50 set into the rear legs 35. A U-shaped bracket 51 may be secured to the push rod 46 by a pair of lock nuts 52 and swivelly connected to the cross shaft 49 to provide the connection between the crank axle 43 and the hobby horse body.

Since the body rocks on the frame as the vehicle is propelled, there may be more propelling force required when the crank is in its down position than when in an opposite position. A rather heavy child seated on the saddle may find it ditlicult to propel the vehicle from a standing start if the crank is in its down position. In order to assist such initial starting, a coil spring 53 may be mounted in the usual receptacle 54 for the seat of the tricycle and connected to the cross shaft 49 in the rear portion of the body. This spring thus tends to lift the rear portion of the body assisting the child during the part of thc motion carrying the crank from its low position to an upper position. Should the spring 53 be of suciently heavy construction, the crank may be dispensed with and the spring utilized as the springs of a seat on an ordinary tricycle. It may be desirable under such circumstances to provide straps limiting the horizontal motion of the body on the tricycle frame. To insure that the parts remain in proper relationship, washers 55 are provided on either side of the spring 53 at its connection to the cross shaft 49 and similar washers 56 are provided to hold the U-shaped bracket 51 in place.

The steering mechanism utilized in the form shown in Figures 1 and 2 employ a steering post 57 connected to the steering fork 18 in the usual manner. This post extends upwardly through the neck of the head portion which is provided with an elongated slot 33a in the mane 33 to accommodate the post and to provide sufficient clearance during rocking motion of the horse. A rubber split sleeve 59 is inserted in the elongated opening so as to closely embrace the steering post 57 and permit the head to move about the steering post. The usual handlebars 58 are connected in the usual fashion to the post; depending upon the dimensions of the head, the steering post may be elongated over that usually employed.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that very little modication of the ordinary tricycle is required in order to mount the hobby horse body thereon. In a kit for such modification, it is only required to include the body and head portion, elongated steering post 57, and a rear axle and crank assembly. The spring 53 may be dispensed with if desired, particularly if the child for whom the vehicle is intended is not particularly heavy.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 7 to 13 varies from the embodiment just described particularly in the steering mechanism. In Figure 7, it will be noted that the head 30 is swivelly mounted on the body form portion 27. Thus, the head can turn relative to the body and is so arranged as to turn with the front wheel of the tricycle. The particular structure for mounting the head and accomplishing this steering connection will be described below.

The head is mounted on the body by cooperation of a pair of plates, one plate 60 being secured in the lower opening of the head 30 and a mating plate 61 being secured in the upper opening of the body portion 27. Both plates are round with the upper plate having a number of detents 62 traveling in a circular opening 63 in the lower plate so as to keep the two plates in alignment. The lower plate is provided with a pair of arcuate slots 64 for receiving stud bolts 65 limiting the turning of the head relative to the body. The plates may be secured in the head and body in any particular fashion, that shown being by use of rivets.

The steering is accomplished with the use of a universal type joint in the steering post since the body may rock relative to the frame and the head may be turned relative to the body during such rocking motion. The steering post hub 19 is provided with a pair of washerlike bearings 66 having a square opening therein. A square steering rod 67 may pass slidingly through the openings in the bearings. The universal joint 77 is connectcd to the upper end of the steering rod 67 and to a short steering post 68 which is secured by pin 69 in the upper plate 60. Thus, as the head turns relative to the body, this action is transmitted through the universal joint and steering rod to the steering fork of the tricycle. Under these circumstances, the head may be simply provided with handles to etect the steering. In other instances, the steering post portion 68 may be extended upwardly within the head to a connection with the handle bars 69 provided on the head.

The particular connection illustrated may be varied without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. While we have shown a square steering rod 67, a spline or key can serve the same purposes. It is also possible to provide a pin and slot connection which will furnish sufficient lost motion to permit the movement of the body while retaining the steering connection between the head and front wheel of the tricycle. This form of the invention is also readily demountable for replacing the usual tricycle structure. The square steering post 67 may be removed from the hub 19 by rrrereli,7 sliding it upwardly. Thus, when the support `bearing for the body on the tricycle frame is removed, the body can simply be lifted from the tricycle frame providing the crank mechanism has also been disconnected. Thereafter, the usual seat and steering post will be replaced and a usual tricycle restored.

Ordinarily, a tricycle is provided with a rear stepping platform 70 which may be provided with a central opening 71 to receive the crank push rod 46. A cover 72 may be snapped in place over this opening when the hobby horse body is removed from the tricycle. In order to make the attachment of the body to a tricycle easier and to avoid the necessity of drilling a hole through the frame, an alternate connector is illustrated in Figures l2 and 13. The bearings illustrated are the same. However, a bracket 73 is provided for clamping action upon the frame 14 by a bolt 74. This clamp can hold the cross bearing rod 36 for receiving the ciongatcd bearings 39 which are held in the sides 38 of the hobby horse.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the hobby horse structure of this invention may be added to a tricycle frame very easily and quickly. The problems of manufacture are simple in that they do not employ a complicated mechanism or parts that are difficult to fabricate. The structure may be converted from the usual tricycle to a vehicle embodying a hobby horse f body by any parent of a child whose whims require the conversion. The usual tricycle may be either as shown or one embodying a sprocket and pedals intermediate the front and rear wheels.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, for some modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

We claim:

l. A childs vehicle, comprising: a tricycle frame and wheels of usual structure having a front wheel steering fork pivotally secured in the frame; a hobby horse body form superimposed over said frame with the forward portion about the front of the tricycle trame; a supporting rod secured to the tricycle frame between normal tricycle seat position and the steering form and an elongated bearing in each side of the body form embracing said rod to rockably mount the hobby horse on the frame, each bearing having readily releasable securing means securing the bearing to the body form for removing the hobby horse body form from the frame; a crank member mounting the rear wheels of the tricycle and a connecting rod extending from the crank member to the rearward portion of the body form; a head form on said body form over said steering fork; a steering post connected to said steering fork and extending upwardly within the head form; and steering handles secured to said steering post whereby a child may sit upon the body form in tricycle riding fashion and propel the vehicle.

2. A childs vehicle as specified in claim l wherein the body form is made with relatively thin sidewalls, each bearing having an elongated body with an enlarged head on one end to abut the exterior of the body form, said bearing extending through the body form toward the interior thereof and having external threads with a threaded retainer thereon gripping the body from material cooperatively with said enlarged head to secure the bearing to the body form.

3. A childs vehicle, comprising: a tricycle frame and wheels of usual structure having a front wheel steering fork pivotally secured in the frame; la downwardly open, one-piece animal body form removably secured to and extending about the frame with its lower edge above the wheels; a cross member secured to the upper portion of the tricycle frame to support the weight of the body form thereon, said cross member comprising a laterally extending rod secured to the tricycle trame and a pair of elongated bearings, one readily removably secured to each side of the body form and extending inwardly of the side of the body form for slidingly receiving one end of the `rod to pivotally support the body t'orm on the tricycle frame; an animal head form extending upwardly on the body form from a position over said steering fork; and exposed steering means including handles adjacent said head form, said steering means having steering post means extending upwardly within the head form and removably connecting the handles with said fork for steering.

4. A child`s vehicle, comprising; a tricycle frame and wheels of usual structure having a front wheel steering fork pivotally secured in the frame; a downwardly open, one-piece animal body form removably secured to and extending about the frame with its lower edge above the wheels; a cross member secured to the upper portion of the tricycle frame to support the weight of the body form thereon, said cross member including a rod secured to and extending laterally from the frame in a substantially horizontal plane and a pair of elongated bearings embracing each end of the rod and secured to each side of the body form in a manner to extend inwardly of tihe sides of the form to pivotally mount the body form on the frame; spring means extending between the rearward portion of the body form and having one end secured in the usual seat mounting aperture in the tricycle frame permitting movement of the body form relative to the frame; an animal head form extending upwardly on the body form from a position over said steering fork; and exposed steering means including handles adjacent said head form, said steering means `having steering post means extending upwardly within the head form and removably connecting the handles with said fork for steering.

5. A childs vehicle, comprising: a tricycle frame and Wheels of usual structure having a front wheel steering fork pivotally secured in the frame; a downwardly open, one-piece animal body form removably secured to and extending about the frame with its lower edge above the wheels; a cross member secured to the upper portion of the tricycle frame to support the weight of the body form thereon, said cross member having rod portions extending laterally of the frame in a generally horizontal plane and bearing means secured to each side of the body form and having an elongated bore arranged to receive the respective rod portions inwardly of the body form to pivotally support the body form on the tricycle frame; an animal head form extending upwardly on the body form from a position over said steering fork; and exposed steering handles adjacent the head form having steering post means extending upwardly within the head form and connecting the handles with said fork for steering.

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